FAA last month released a request for information for the En Route Automation Modernization project, an initiative to upgrade hardware and software at 20 en route centers.

'We believe the playing field isn't level and that we have a valid, compelling reason for this action,' Raytheon spokeswoman Blanche E. Necessary said in a statement. 'We believe Raytheon has excellent credentials and available technology for this program.'

The company also protested in February of last year after FAA awarded a sole-source contract to Lockheed Martin to upgrade the system. FAA's Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition upheld that protest.